CARSON, Calif -- In the Colorado Rapids’ 1-0 defeat to the LA Galaxy on Sunday afternoon in the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Semifinal first leg, there was the team with Jermaine Jones and the team without.
The Rapids turned in a notable defensive performance without Jones in the first half, but lacked a spark in the midfield to move the ball and truly challenge the Galaxy’s defense. Jones provided that after coming off the bench to start the second half, and he ultimately took the Rapids’ best offensive chance of the game with a shot from distance in the 59th minute.
“I thought he came in and gave us some good energy,” said Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni. “He had a few good looks on goal, did a lot of dirty work in the midfield and won some balls. I think there were moments in the game where he brought the tempo of the game down for us, gave us some good possession of the ball and some territory as well.
“Like everything else it’s going to take a little bit of time [to get back to form after returning from injury], but I thought his performance was very good and gave us a boost.”
For Jones, this was his longest run of play since injuring his lateral collateral ligament, a knock that kept him out for 14 weeks. He did make a 22-minute appearance in the Rapids’ regular-season finale, but his progress makes him a possible starter in the second leg of the series.
“There’s a possibility that he’s ready to go,” said Mastroeni. “Having been out for four months, my biggest fear is setting him back with an injury. You’ve got to put chains on him to keep him off the field, but I think tonight is a performance that shows that he’s relaxed and not thinking about his knee. He’s moving well, making some good plays.
"Looking forward to a good week of training and we’ll see how we go.”
For his part, Jones felt the Rapids showed the Galaxy too much respect in the first half and that the second half was their real face. That certainly had much to do with Jones’ presence, as he made four recoveries in the attacking half that helped the Rapids sustain possession and look more dangerous.
Now with two appearances off the bench under his belt, Jones is pleased to be back on the field contributing to the Rapids' cause again.
“I feel good,” said Jones. “Me and Pablo [Mastroeni] had a conversation before the game and it was all good so I said, 'Okay.' At halftime he comes to me and says, 'Are you ready?' I’m always happy to come back. I’m happy to be on the field and play.”
